Modeling, Simulation and Optimization of Steel Sandwich Panels under Blast Loading

Honeycomb sandwich panels are commonly preferred in structural engineering as a design element meant to protect against blast loading, and this owes primarily to the fact that they are light in weight (due to the voids present) whilst carrying high energy absorption capacities. A widespread surge in acts of terrorism, and the resultant threat posed to structures, presents structural engineers with unique challenges pertaining to the design of blast-resistant structures that are both safe and reliable. Researchers worldwide have thus taken to closely studying the effects of sudden loads effected by detonative forces on certain elements and design concepts. To this end, an emergent design concept with proven efficacy is the honeycomb sandwich panel. Due to the practical difficulties associated with the study of explosive materials and replicating blast loads, software-based modeling and simulation may be favorable as a functional and convenient alternative. To this end, this work uses the finite element package ABAQUS® to study the behavior of hexagonal and squared honeycomb steel sandwich panels under the explosive effects of different amounts of trinitrotoluene (TNT). The results of finite element modeling of a specific honeycomb configuration are initially validated by comparing them with the experimental results from literature. Several configurations including different geometrical properties of the honeycomb wall are then investigated and the results are compared. Consequently, an optimization study is conducted with an objective to reduce the plastic strain of the back plate while the wall cell thickness is taken as a variable. Finally, the effectiveness of the core shape and wall thickness is discussed and conclusions are made.